Brussels Optimist Club

05/31/2026

This weekend was a special one for the Brussels Optimist Club as we officially opened the new batting cage and handed it over to Huron East.

This project took longer than we hoped, cost more than we hoped, and had more than a few hurdles along the way, but seeing kids already using it this weekend made every bit of work worth it. We are very proud of this facility and what it will mean for local youth, families, teams, and the community as a whole.

A project like this does not happen without people stepping up. Thank you to every donor, volunteer, committee member, and supporter who helped bring this idea to life. Your generosity, time, equipment, materials, labour, and encouragement are what made this possible.

A special thank you to our batting cage committee, including John Groves, Tim Strickert, and Dwayne VanRavenswaay, who were absent for the photo but played an important role in getting this project across the finish line.

We also want to give a special mention to Jason Kellington. Jason was not officially on the committee, but he attended every work bee and helped as if he was. That kind of commitment is exactly what makes community projects like this possible.

Many many other community members attended the various work bees or helped with our fundraisers who have no affiliation to the optimist club, but just wanted to see this project come to fruition. There are too many of these people to mention, but we are extremely thankful for all the help we get from this incredible community.

Thank you as well to all of our sponsors. This facility simply would not exist without your generosity and belief in supporting local youth. We are proud to recognize you on the sponsor wall and grateful for your investment in our community.

Included are a few photos from the opening, including some Optimist members who were on hand, the batting cage committee, our first official user, and the sponsor wall.

Here’s hoping the batting cage stays busy, well used, and enjoyed for many years to come.

Thank you again to everyone who helped make this happen.

05/26/2026

The green marker may be a little hard to read, but the Brussels Optimist Club made a big splash tonight.

We are proud to share that our club donated $32,000 to local healthcare, with $8,000 each going to the hospital foundations in Seaforth, Wingham, Listowel, and Clinton.

We also made our final pledge payment toward our $151,000 commitment over five years to the Brussels arena renovation project.

These donations are only possible because of the incredible support our community continues to show at our events. Whether you buy a ticket, donate an auction item, volunteer, sponsor, or simply show up, you help make this happen.

Thank you for continuing to support the Brussels Optimist Club and the work we do for our community.

05/20/2026

The Brussels Optimist Club is proud to support local youth and community sport.

This week, our club donated $1,000 to F.E. Madill Secondary School to help support the school as they host OFSAA Rugby, bringing athletes, coaches, and families into our community for a major provincial event.

We also donated $500 to Brussels Minor Ball to help with the purchase of raffle prizes for Minor Ball Day.

We are always happy to support opportunities that benefit local youth, promote sport, and bring people together in our community.

Thank you to everyone who supports our club and our fundraisers. These donations are only possible because of that continued community support.

05/12/2026

We were very grateful to receive this thoughtful thank-you from the students and families of North Woods.

The Brussels Optimist Club is proud to support projects that benefit local youth and families, and it is always special to see the impact these community donations can have.

Congratulations on the playground grand opening, and thank you for including us in such a meaningful project!

05/09/2026

Bicycle draws!

05/09/2026

Bike Rodeo FAQ:

- enter through the Olympia door to the West of the arena. Optimist “hot Dawg” Dawsy will be there running the BBQ

- runs from 10-12. Come anytime between these hours (not a hard start at 10am

- free hotdog lunch for all participants!

05/08/2026

These fresh wheels are up for grabs at tomorrow’s bike rodeo

See you at the BMGCC from 10-12 tomorrow

05/08/2026

Reminder of this FREE community event tomorrow!

After a year off, the Bike Rodeo is back.
We’re excited to bring this event back to the community with a focus on fun, skills, and bicycle safety. It’s a great opportunity for kids to practice riding, learn safe habits, and build confidence on their bikes.

Be sure to bring your bike and a properly fitted helmet. We hope to see you there.

05/07/2026

04/28/2026

The Brussels Optimist Club held elections at our April meeting, and we are pleased to share the incoming Executive and Directors who will begin their terms in October.

Incoming Executive
President: Michael McDonald
1st Vice-President: Corey Campbell
2nd Vice-President: Ben Lootsma
Secretary-Treasurer: Dan Fritz
Clubhouse Director: John Groves
Director of External Events / BBQ: Trevor Wilson

Directors
One-Year Directors: Joel Nesbit, Andrew Parkhouse, Mike Guy
Two-Year Directors: Steve Rombouts, Remi Zoccolante, Tyler Deitner

While his term does not end until October, we also wish to thank Kevin Kellington for his dedicated service over the past two years as President. His leadership, time, and commitment to the club and community are greatly appreciated.

Thank you to everyone who put their name forward and to all members who continue to help keep the club moving forward. We look forward to another strong year of community service, fundraising, and support for Brussels and the surrounding area.